Induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human hepatocellular carcinoma after radiotherapy

Objective: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical early event for the invasion and metastasis of many carcinomas. In the present study, we examined EMT markers in the residual cancer cells of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after radiotherapy. Methods: Eight patients with large HCC who underwent hepatectomy with preoperative radiothera- py were studied. The expressions of E-cadherin and vimentin were determined immunohistochemically in the residual cancer cells of HCC following radiotherapy, and also in the pre-radiotherapy biopsy cancer cells. Results: Histological analysis showed that some residual cancer cells of HCC displayed an elongated spindle or fibroblast-like shape. The expression of E- cadherin was markedly reduced or negative in the spindle residual cancer cells, but the expression of vimentin significantly in- duced. However, the above changes were not found in the pre-radiotherapy biopsy cancer cells. Conclusion: EMT is induced in the residual cancer cells of HCC following radiotherapy, which may facilitate the systemic dissemination of cancer cells.

Sprayed PAA-CaO_(2)nanoparticles combined with calcium ions and reactive oxygen species for antibacterial and wound healing

The most common socioeconomic healthcare issues in clinical are burns,surgical incisions and other skin injuries.Skin lesion healing can be achieved with nanomedicines and other drug application techniques.This study developed a nano-spray based on cross-linked amorphous calcium peroxide(CaO_(2))nanoparticles of polyacrylic acid(PAA)for treating skin wounds(PAA-CaO_(2)nanoparticles).CaO_(2)serves as a‘drug’precursor,steadily and continuously releasing calcium ions(Ca^(2+))and hydrogen peroxide(H_(2)O_(2))under mildly acidic conditions,while PAA-CaO_(2)nanoparticles exhibited good spray behavior in aqueous form.Tests demonstrated that PAA-CaO_(2)nanoparticles exhibited low cytotoxicity and allowed L929 cells proliferation and migration in vitro.The effectiveness of PAA-CaO_(2)nanoparticles in promoting wound healing and inhibiting bacterial growth in vivo was assessed in SD rats using full-thickness skin defect and Staphylococcus aureus(S.aureus)-infected wound models based thereon.The results revealed that PAA-CaO_(2)nanoparticles demonstrated significant advantages in both aspects.Notably,the infected rats’skin defects healed in 12 days.The benefits are linked to the functional role of Ca^(2+)coalesces with H_(2)O_(2)as known antibacterial and healing-promoted agents.Therefore,we developed nanoscale PAA-CaO_(2)sprays to prevent bacterial development and heal skin lesions.

Health status and health disparity in China:a demographic and socioeconomic perspective

Using Chinese General Social Survey(CGSS)in 2005,2008 and 2013,this study investigates health determinants and health inequality in China.The ordinal complementary log-log model is used firstly to examine the impact of individual and contextual factors on self-rated health status.The study further checks the health inequality among subgroups divided by health determinants considered in the determinant model.We find that there are significant gender,residential,ethnic,socioeconomic,emotional,regional,and periodic differences.Moreover,the health status of sub-groups defined by factors used in this research is affected by health determinants in different ways which indicates the impact of these health determinants on health is moderated by each other.We conclude that while the health status generally varies with individual factors and social contexts,each group characterized by individual and contextual features has its own unique needs to improve and maintain their health status in China.The public policies aiming to increase Chinese health status and reduce health inequality must pay close attention to these needs while equalizing the availability,accessibility,and affordability of health facilities and health care system.